AFAS vs Exact Online: which fits your business?

AFAS and Exact are two ERP packages for the Dutch market. Both platforms offer a wide range of features and modules that help businesses simplify and automate their operational processes.

However, while they operate in the same space, there are differences between the two that matter when making your choice. In this article, we compare AFAS and Exact independently on several factors: target audience, features, pricing, localization, integrations, and user experience.

Target Audience

AFAS is mainly aimed at mid-size and larger organizations. It combines ERP with HRM and payroll in a single platform, which makes it relevant for organizations where personnel management carries a lot of weight, for example in healthcare, education, non-profit and professional services.

Exact Online is mainly aimed at smaller and mid-size businesses, for example in manufacturing, wholesale and professional services. Its starting point is financial administration, with modules for operational processes on top.

An independent ERP advisor helps organizations choose between AFAS and Exact without bias toward either vendor. This ensures the recommendation is based on your business needs, not on license revenue.

Features and Modules

Understanding what each platform offers is the basis for determining which one fits your organization.

AFAS Core Modules

• Financial Management: managing financial processes and reporting
• HRM & Payroll: personnel management and salary processing
• Project Management: managing projects, hours and budgets
• CRM: relationship management and sales processes
• Supply Chain Management: inventory management and logistics

Exact Online Core Modules

• Accounting: managing financial administration
• CRM: managing customer relationships and sales
• Manufacturing: managing production processes and inventory
• Trade: purchasing, sales and inventory management
• Project Management: managing projects and time tracking

Pricing

AFAS uses subscriptions, with costs depending on the number of users and selected modules. Ask the vendor which updates and support are included in the price, and how the subscription rises with the number of modules.

Exact Online offers monthly subscriptions. Pricing starts with basic accounting and scales up with the breadth of the package.

The total cost of ownership (TCO) depends not only on license fees but also on implementation, training and maintenance costs. We always recommend comparing the complete picture, not just the license price.

Localization

Both platforms are rooted in the Dutch and Belgian markets. Check for your own situation how each package supports Dutch tax regulations, social security and reporting requirements, and whether you need multi-currency or multi-country operations.

Integrations & Ecosystem

AFAS offers an API and a marketplace of integrations. Because ERP and HRM sit in one platform, fewer external connectors may be needed between those two areas.

Exact Online offers third-party apps through the Exact App Center. List the integrations you need and check for each one whether it is available as a standard connection.

User Experience

Both vendors have invested in modernizing their interfaces. Ask your own users to try both systems with your own processes, on desktop and on mobile, before you decide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, AFAS or Exact?

That depends on your organization. AFAS fits organizations where HRM and payroll weigh heavily alongside finance. Exact Online fits businesses that start from accounting and add modules for trade or manufacturing. Start with your primary need: accounting points toward Exact, while HR and process automation point toward AFAS.

What are the competitors of AFAS Software?

Other packages to compare with AFAS in the Netherlands include Exact Online, SAP Business One, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, Unit4 and Visma Raet. Each platform targets a slightly different segment. AFAS combines ERP and HRM, while Exact focuses more on financial administration.

Is Exact a good accounting program?

Exact Online is an accounting package built for the Dutch market, with connections to Dutch banks. Ask your accountant whether they work with it. When your organization grows and also needs HR, manufacturing or more complex reporting, check whether a broader solution such as AFAS or Dynamics 365 fits better.

How much does AFAS cost compared to Exact?

AFAS works with per-user subscriptions that rise with the number of modules. Exact Online starts with basic accounting and scales up with the breadth of the package. We always advise comparing total cost of ownership, not just license fees.

Need Independent Advice?

Choosing between AFAS and Exact is more than a software comparison. It is about which system fits your business processes, growth ambitions and organizational culture. As an independent consultancy, we help you make this choice without any vendor ties.

View our approach to ERP package & partner selection

Further reading: for a step-by-step view, read our guide to the full ERP selection process.